Seattle: Getting your first job is exciting. You may be enjoying a combination of pride, financial independence and big expectations for a career that is just beginning. But things may not unfold exactly the way they are perceived once you actually step into your first workplace and start doing the job.
Entry-level jobs are typically limited in scope and provide ambitious workers with little to no authority or decision-making powers. Combine that with a probably long, difficult learning curve, hopes for a joyful ride can be easily dashed. A young new hire may soon feel disappointed that the job has not turned out the way it was thought to be. But is it really the job or the career phase? That is the question that must be kept in mind if you’re just starting out on your career.
Let’s be clear no one like to be micromanaged, corrected often or allowed limited wiggle space, but in many professions an entry job is almost an equivalent of continuing education. If you look at it that way and appreciate the experience and training a first job provide, perhaps you will be able to overlook the inconvenience that comes with being the least-experienced on the block.
Here are a few points to keep in mind:
The first step
Your first job is just the very first step on your career path. With unemployment rates still elevated in many parts of the world, you may be lucky just to have a job. Getting that job is a statement of trust in your initial set of skills and qualifications. It is important to look at how far you can capitalise and build on what you’ve got. Look at your position realistically to avoid a disappointment down the road. In short, your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job — but it can put you the long road to achieve your ambitions. The more you focus on making this first job fulfilling, the better you will be prepared for the bumps that are likely along the way.
The learning curve
As mentioned, many entry-level jobs are a continuation of your learning process, and what you learn on the job may be in many cases more critical and eventually valuable than academic knowledge. Having a positive approach about learning and acquiring practical experience is a must to make a positive impression. It also will help you progress faster into a more established position where you will be able to demonstrate your skills and get more space to innovate. It is, however, essential that you never think that getting a job means you’re done with learning.
Job description
Many entry-level jobs have a loose job description where you will see statements like, “other duties, as needed.” The lack of specific job requirements and duties can be a mixed blessing. The disadvantage obviously is that you may end up with every task that more experienced team members are unwilling to do — from housekeeping to fetching coffee. The advantages, however, can be enormous. You can explore the different possibilities that your job offers and see what you like and what fulfils your ambition. When you get to spend more time with tasks that you’d never have thought of doing before, you may find that your passion and interest lie somewhere other than where you started. With that in mind, don’t be too stressed about the lack of specifics in your job tasks. Instead, try to get yourself busy in areas where you thrive and excel. By doing so, you will be able to make a positive impression and, consequently, will be given more space and recognition.
Dose of reality
Your first job is likely to be your first encounter with real work life. You need to be prepared to deal with all sorts of nuisances that come with almost every job — from office politics to managing co-worker relationships and client care. All of these issues are part of your professional development and contribute significantly to your eventual career success. They may be stressful at the beginning, but they are likely to become easier and more manageable as time goes by.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.
